Larry Silverstein

Looking back at 2025, what was the biggest highlight for Silverstein Properties, and for you?

Personally, I have been focused on 2 World Trade Center — advancing the design and the transaction itself. The scope and the complexity of the project require deep, constant and total involvement. It’s a unique building, not just because of its size and location, but because of the amount of outdoor space involved in its design. As a matter of fact, there’s more outdoor space in the building than there is land underneath it.

Working with Norman Foster and his team has been an absolute delight. They are an extraordinarily talented group of architects who strive to produce the very best results possible. It has also been a pleasure working on the project with Lisa Silverstein, Dino Fusco, Tal Kerret, Jeremy Moss and the entire Silverstein team. 

There is a real joy in being able to present to your child an opportunity to continue what you’ve been working on for over four decades. I bought my first building in 1957, but the World Trade Center represents 45 years of my working life.

You opened Brooklyn Tower this year. Seeing as it’s Brooklyn’s tallest tower, are you worried someone might try to pull an “Empire State Building” on you and try to outdo that status?

It’s probably just a question of time until somebody builds a taller tower — that’s New York! From my perspective, it’s the first in what I suspect will be a long line of high-rise buildings in Brooklyn. The views are pretty spectacular. Why not?

Silverstein Capital Partners’ Shawn Katz and his team are leading the effort to finish construction on the amenities in the building, as well as sell the condos with Corcoran. At the end of the day, it’s a wonderful building in a terrific location, and I think it will do really well.

You took over the Avenue luxury condo development in Bellevue, Wash., this year and already own a development site in Seattle’s Lake Union neighborhood. Why does Seattle appeal?

Bellevue is a major center of business with a very significant population. Some of the largest companies in America are headquartered in Bellevue, Seattle or nearby, including Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco and T-Mobile.

I’ve loved the Pacific Northwest ever since my three years of monthly flights to Seattle to oversee construction of our motorboat by Delta Marine. I’ve also visited the home and studio of glass artist Dale Chihuly and have purchased many of his pieces for our home, office and apartment building lobbies. I’m definitely open to more projects in the region, including in Seattle. 

In New York, what would you like to see out of the next mayoral administration? What’s key for New York commercial real estate?

I think the two most pressing issues facing the city are housing and affordability. Our 55 Broad Street office-to-residential project is probably the forerunner of many similar projects around Manhattan for us as well as other developers. Building multifamily rentals is a major need, and we need to work with the new mayor and his administration to make that happen as soon as possible.

What’s the one thing that should be top of mind for all owners of New York office today?

The importance of providing space, experiences and amenities so young people want to come to the office to work. That starts with giving them great space with an abundance of light, fresh air, community, activities, food and facilities to make the work experience pleasurable.

 With market volatility continuing, where are you finding the best opportunities to transact today?

With the constant and pressing demand for rental housing, there is little doubt in my mind that you’re going to see continued development of high-rise rental housing, of which 25 percent will be affordable, as well as the need for high-rise, first-class commercial real estate.

Lighting Round:

Mamdani, Cuomo, Adams: Friend, mute, unfollow?
The new mayor is going to need all the friends he can get, mute all the naysayers, and unfollow anyone who bets against New York.

Your pick for Fed chair `26?
I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.

Borrowing costs up or down by late 2026?
I hope down.

Which are you more excited about — interest rate cut or Taylor Swift’s engagement?
An interest rate cut would be welcome, and I wish Taylor and Travis a long, 69-plus year marriage just like mine.

When was your last vacation and where?
Klara and I were in the Mediterranean this summer. We loved the scenic beauty of the Greek islands, along with the wonderful people and the extraordinary food. It’s hard not to enjoy that!

Like in ‘Freaky Friday’ you swap bodies with Jerome Powell. What would you do?
I would reduce interest rates.

What’s your kryptonite?
Bureaucracy and time-wasting.

How are the tariffs going to affect your Thanksgiving shopping?
The tariffs will have a big impact on building materials, but that doesn’t have much to do with our Thanksgiving.

You appear on the kisscam at a concert. Who’s performing?
Any performance by the New York Philharmonic, with Klara of course.

If Stephen Starr asked you which restaurant he should next reopen, what would it be?
Stephen was going to be one of our restaurant partners on our Avenir casino project. I would say the restaurant I enjoy the most is Le Bernadin. It’s incredibly successful, the food is phenomenally good. The tables are reasonably far apart so you can hear each other speak. And, once you have a seat, there’s no rush. The only disadvantage is that it’s in Midtown and not right here in Downtown. So how about opening a Le Bernadin downtown?